DC Explorer Whale Sharks Tours Direct Providers
donated ~80 pantries to vulnerable folks that included eggs, rice,
coffee, pasta & other staples. When you return to Isla Mujeres, keep
these kind-hearted companies in mind who helped their neighbors despite
also being temporarily out of business!

"We are at the highest point of the epidemic & must strengthen measures" : Gov. Carlos Joaquin
The Governor discussed the reopening of the state when he answered
questions from the citizenry on Tuesday evening. He said it is hard to
set an exact date for the removal of the quarantine at this time, while
the epidemic is still peaking and the curve has not yet begun
decreasing. He explained that the reopening will be gradual and is
planned for the first half of June.
He said it is important for
people to understand that going out will never, or for some time, be
done in the same manner as it was before coronavirus. The reopening will
be gradual with continued preventive measures such as covering your
mouth, nose & eyes, being careful, maintaining healthy distance and
avoiding places where people congregate.
The gradual reopening
will be carefully planned in coordination with experts in the areas of
epidemiology, urban planning, business, tourism, and others who are very
familiar with the issues, to come to an agreement about how to
reactivate the various groups and reactivate the economy, little by
little.
He said it would be very difficult if one hundred
percent of the population left (quarantine) at the same time as the
airports are open enough to receive tourism. The return must occur
slowly, little by little, and rapid testing can be used to determine who
has it and who does not. Public transportation will function at
one-half or one-third capacity. In places where previously there were
1000 people, only 300 will be permitted. Measures will be taken to
prevent a rebounding of illnesses. He spoke about planning projects to
reactivate the economy, emphasizing the importance of starting out
slowly and the hope/expectation of a vaccine and treatments. He
reiterated that the gradual reopening is expected to begin in the first
part of June, to start reactivating the economy.
He also spoke
about the importance of not breaking quarantine for Mother's Day on
Sunday, about measures regarding utilities and food assistance, and he
responded to concerns about people in Cancun who aren't staying at home.
He said the number of active cases in Cancun is only in the
300's, although the number of positives is in the 900's, because that
includes those who have recuperated, and those who have, unfortunately,
passed away. He said this is a very manageable number of active cases,
of whom only about half are in the hospitals. Of those, only 20-30%,
sometimes 50% require intensive care. And of those requiring intensive
care, only about 1% need a ventilator.
He said the hospital
infrastructure is sufficient and that Q Roo is among the leading states
in this regard, but like the rest of the country, there is a need for
more personnel. He gave reassurances that generally, everything is
sufficient, and he expressed his gratitude to everyone who is complying
with the recommended measures.
He emphasized that if measures
were relaxed at this time, the numbers would soar and we would be in the
worst-case scenario, needing more than 1000 hospital beds. He reviewed
the measures that have been implemented in Cancun which include
checkpoints/filters, road closures, prohibiting vehicles with
out-of-state plates from circulating, and many others. In addition,
signs will be posted identifying the locations with high transmission
rates; "points of major contact" where the likelihood of contacting
Covid is higher. These include commercial centers, mercados/"flea
markets", and public transportation terminals, where people who are out
for essential purposes need to be particularly cautious.
He said
that crime has decreased and security measures have increased and
listed these. He addressed the potential problem of sargasso, listing
the plans and measures that are in place, as well as the preparations
for the hurricane season. He talked about students returning to classes,
which increases mobility in the streets. He mentioned some
possibilities and complications, and the likelihood that this will be a
process done in stages among the various levels of classes, noting there
are no dates available at this time.
In other communications,
the Governor explained that second food assistance distribution, which
is now taking place house-by-house, is a state program, despite the
federal logos on the boxes. He said the state purchased the items from
the federal government at discounted prices. He also noted that the
contents of the boxes vary, but they are all nutritionally equivalent.
#1 He toured the mobile hospital units constructed outside the Cancun
General (Kumate) Hospital, which will supply an additional 238 beds for
Covid-19 patients and are nearly completed.
#2 Areas of high transmission rates in Cancun will be marked by signage
#3 Z Gas is offering a 20% discount on residential gas, which the governor said is equal to 'about 4 liters per tank'.
#4 Ten Measures to protect the families of Q Roo
#5 Six Plans of Action that are a priority
Sources: Governor's social media, primarily this video-https://www.facebook.com/Carlos.Joaquin/videos/570414533680065/?t=3357

1.
Only essential activities: health services, civil protection &
police, suppliers, banks, communications, and public services of water,
electricity, trash, propane, gasoline and transport. 2. Reduction of vehicle movement with checkpoints in the main streets. 3.Suspension of public meetings. Stay at Home! 4. Mandatory use of face masks. 5. Mandatory healthy distancing of a meter and a half in pubic spaces including terminals, gas stations, and propane stations. 6. Shopping for supplies should be done at the store nearest to your home. 7. Answer the Covid-19 questionnaire once a week at the given website. 8. Centers for supplies (groceries) must employ extreme sanitary measures. 9. Only essential businesses may be open, with sanctions for those who don't comply.
10. Alcohol is only sold 10a-5p, with closure and license cancellation
for those who don't comply. (Isla Mujeres has been under a municipal dry
law since late March.)

1. Protect those who continue providing services including providing supplies, medical personnel, police, etc. 2. Safeguard the most vulnerable including seniors and those with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, etc. 3. Increase capacity for medical attention including more hospitals, staff, and medications. 4. Reinforce medical attention with more personal and capacity for Covid-19 cases. 5. Reorganize mobility in the cities and continue with Healthy Distance to slow down the spread. 6. Reactivate our economy by protecting the businesses and local jobs.

Yesterday (Thursday)'s sunrise from MVC B&B

WEDNESDAY--The report for Isla Mujere is unchanged with a total of 6 reported cases, of which one has recovered.
On May 6, Quintana Roo reports 979 positives with 157 deaths, 144
under study, 464 recuperated, 166 in social isolation and 192
hospitalized. Cancun (Benito Juarez) reports 740 positives, 119 deaths
and 357 recuperated.

From the Director of the Isla Mujeres Community Hospital:
May 2020:
The worst stage of this pandemic awaits us, my viewpoint is that we are
not nearly over it; we are entering the maximum peak of the virus that
causes Covid-19. Take extreme precautions, Isleños, don't go out without
face masks, don't touch your face, wash your hands frequently with soap
& water, disinfect all of your purchases with a wet cloth of
diluted bleach & water, please don't visit your family because you
love them, don't break the rules nor because it's Mother's Day so you
don't regret it later. Let's stop contagions together; let's not let our
guard down Isleños, we still cannot. The graphic says-Mom &
Grandma: Because I love you, this year I won't visit you on May 10th. I
don't want to make you sick. I want you to live much longer to enjoy
your company. Kisses, Hugs, and Lots of Health

The Governor says 40 warning signs will be posted in the 6 areas of
Cancun where the highest potential dispersion points for COVID-19 have
been identified by a geo-reference system used by the state government,
so that those who must leave home for an essential activity are aware

Isla parades & cabalgatas won't be the same without this huge handsome Friesian dancing down the streets. RIP Triton.

Thank-you to everyone who donated & coordinated this effort to help protect Isla's medical personnel!!

"The Isla Diabetes Clinic
Club Pro-Paciente Diabetico Isla Mujeres A.C. is so honored to continue
to be a part of the successful collaboration between the municipality
of Isla Mujeres, medical professionals and non profit groups on the
island. Thank you to all the people that created and assisted with this
initiative: presidente Juan Carrillo, the COVID - 19 prevention liaison Dra Xhanat Tze Mora, Island Time Music Fest, Katie Cain, Dr. Todd G Pierce and the director of our A.C. Geovanny Avalos.
Gracias to all the generous community who donated with open hearts and
love to keep the medical staff at the Community Hospital of Isla Mujeres
and ISSSTE protected with PPE's, transport capsules and other safety
equipment. Please send donations to PayPal:
isladiabetesclinic@gmail.com "

TUESDAY--
On May 5, Quintana Roo reports 956 positive cases of Covid-19 with 144
deaths, 128 cases under study, and 457 recuperated. There are 160 in
social isolation and 195 are hospitalized. Benito Juarez (Cancun)
reports 723 cases with 106 deaths and 357 recuperated. In the
municipality of Isla Mujeres, the reported cases remain at 6 positives,
with 1 recuperated and zero deaths.
#2 Today, Cancun reported the highest number of daily deaths so far (22). The second highest was six days ago at 18. #3 Cases in Cancun doubled in the past 11-12 days. The state's cases also doubled in 11-12 days. #4 & 5 This morning Dr. Gatell said the national rate of reported
cases is doubling every six days, which indicates the country's curve is
flattening and the epidemic is slowing down, and is attributed to the
mitigation efforts. He emphasized the need to continue these measures,
estimating they have reduced the number of cases by about 70 percent.

TUESDAY--National Ministry of Health says "Mexico is flattening the curve & the epidemic is slowing down"
At this morning's national press conference, Undersecretary of Health, Dr Lopez-Gatell said...
According to an Oxford university data site, "The epidemic is slowing
down in Mexico; the doubling rate of confirmed cases is every six days,
comparable to the trajectory of Switzerland and Sweden. We are
flattening the curve, which means that if we had not made the massive
interventions of the National Program of
Healthy Distance, we would have had many more cases in a very rapid
manner. We have reduced contagions between 60 and 75%."
"Let no one be confused, this does not mean that it is exactly flat,
what it means is that we would have had many more cases if the
mitigation measures had not been implemented" .
“Initially,
Mexico had a doubling of cases every two days. By day 40, we had a
change and now there is doubling every 6 days, which means that the
epidemic is slowing down. We have flattened the curve, but no one
should get confused; this doesn't mean that it is exactly flat, because
that would mean that we don't have an epidemic; what it means is that we
would have had many more cases if mitigation measures hadn't been
implemented.”
In regard to available beds for Covid-19 patients,
he said that nationally, 31% of the beds are occupied, while in Mexico
City 69% are occupied, and explained their plans to expand capacity
there.
Regarding deaths, he said that since the start of the
pandemic there has been a notable predominance of men over women,
noting, "The male sex has a greater probability of complications and
death, and the impact of chronic diseases is striking."
Regarding
mortality in association with different categories of patients, he said
that among the 14,907 outpatients, 223 deaths have occurred, which is
1.5 percent. Of the 3244 that were hospitalized and considered stable,
441 died ,which is 14 percent. Of the 5722 hospitalized in serious
condition, 1073 died, which is 19 percent. Of the 1032 patients who
were intubated, 534 did not survive which is 52 percent. He explained
that many of the intubated patients died within a short time after
admission, who were in very grave condition.
President Obrador said, "If we do not relax the discipline we will have good results."

In coordination between the state police and the municipal government, municipal police officers are providing face masks to the general public, principally at the supermarkets, checkpoints, and other places where there is a primary need, while this contingency lasts. The municipal chief of police spoke about not letting our guard down, and the importance of staying at home, which is the best way to prevent Covid-19.

To support the fishermen, the municipal government will purchase 60 kilos of fish twice a week during the month of May, from the five local cooperatives. The fishermen are allowed to carry out 'coastal fishing' within four miles of the island, with a maximum of 3-4 fishermen per boat. The fish will be used at the dining room for the police who are lodged on the island to provide security during the coronavirus health contingency. (That's 264 pounds of fish per week, an average of 88 pounds three times a week.)
The municipal Director of Fishing Promotion, Policarpo Pastrana Portillo, said that each time they go out to sea, the fishermen sanitize the ice chests, fishing equipment, and boats. He noted that they have taken courses on responsible, sustainable management of fishing resources, taught by CONAPESCA (National Commission of Aguaculture and Fishing)

Soon we will return to enjoying Isla Mujeres, for now, Stay At Home

If you need to go out, don't forget to respect healthy distance, 1.5 meters. The caption says if you need to leave home, wear face masks and maintain distance between people which helps minimize the possible contagion of Covid-19.

Slide show of recommendations--If you must leave home, wear face masks, maintain distance between people, no greeting with handshakes or kisses, avoid touching surfaces, cover your sneezes or coughs, Let's take care of our health.

Follow the measures of prevention to avoid the contagion of Covid-19

Video of the state Secretary of Health speaking about methods of prevention when a person in your household has Covid-19, which include sleeping in separate beds, maintaining social distance, disinfecting common surfaces frequently, not sharing dishes and utensils, frequent laundering of clothing and sheets, venitilating the home, calling the given numbers for a fever of higher than 38C or difficulty breathing. putting medical and hazardous trash like used face masks and tissues in separate bags and labeling them, clean bathroom fixtures with bleach and water between uses. Then she gives general recommendations like frequent hand washing and only going out when necessary.

Free psychological help is available 24 hours at these phone numbers-

VIDEO of the Mayor explaining that Phase 3 of Covid-19 involves spreading within communities, therefore it is extremely important to follow the recommendation to stay at home. He explains how important this is right now when rapid spreading is likely. He answers questions:
He says the fishermen can fish, with care, but diving isn't recommended at this time, which can causes more problems like decompression, and these are exceptional times for the health system. He mentions another round of food assistance is coming from the state, and it is important that you stay at home (he says that a number of times throughout the video, with emphasis), which is necessary to get through this more rapidly. "Together we'll move forward"

An effective method for combating the virus is frequently cleaning and disinfecting areas that are used in common.

Being in Phase 3 does NOT mean:
>That the virus is more lethal
>That the country will be militarized
>That there will be a shortage of food

As part of the preparation for the relaunch of all the destinations in Quintana Roo, including Isla Mujeres, attractive discounts are being offered, starting at the beginning of June, if the cases of Covid-19 decrease in the expected time frame. Discounts of up to 50 percent on hotel room reservations are being offered once the health contingency for Covid-19 is lifted and Isla Mujeres is reopened, according to municipal Director of Tourism Gustavo Rodríguez Orozco. He said hotels that have resumed promotions and are offering special prices "for when they are allowed to operate" include Mía, Beló and Izla. Institutional promotions for Isla Mujeres on social networks have featured the slogan, "The beauty of Isla Mujeres will not change, come back when you can because we will be waiting for you; for now, stay home." The large hotel chains in the municipality, with agreements with various airlines and travel agencies, are offering two-for-one deals that feature a free flight with a purchased flight, and two nights lodging free with the purchase of two nights. The State Tourism Department (SEDETUR) is promoting the municipalities of Q Roo with a list of free and discounted attractions including water sports, shopping centers, parks and restaurants. The hotel associations of Cancun, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres launched a joint promotion to resume tourist activated. This is because Isla Mujeres has become a preferred location to visit on recreational (day) trips to experience the richness of marine life, then to shop and eat on the island. Mr. Rodriguez Orozco said Isla Mujeres plans to attend the Pueblo Magico Fair II in San Luis Potosi on November 26-29 to encourage more national tourists to visit. In regard to the plan for certification of businesses participating in the promotion, the head of the Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR), Miguel Torruco said in an online statement--We are working together with the Ministry of Health, since the beginning of the contingency with the issuance of the guide for actions for the tourism sector titled: "Strategy of Preparation and Containment in the Covid-19 Health Crisis" which has been distributed to more than 600 companies through the training sector of the Ministry of Health, since March, as announced by SEDETUR, regarding the "Plan of We Will Move Foreward ”, as part of the state's economic recovery, once the health crisis is over. LINK

The customers of HSBC who had their ATM cards hacked during late March and April who have not had resolution are concerned, saying it is difficult to communicate via phones and online, which is attributed to the Covid-19 contingency. Por Esto estimates there were at least 200 people affected, including municipal employees and entrepreneurs in the tourism industry, and that about 50 have not had resolution yet.
There is also a complaint from a fisherman regarding a transaction at the Azteca bank and an additional charge after he paid off his debt on a motorcycle. He says he was told to take his complaint to Cancun, but he declines because he is elderly and this would put him at risk of Covid-19 contagion. He is planning to contact a CONDUSEF agent to complain about the bank. LINK

The Pro-Diabetic Club of Isla Mujeres and other associations working in coordination with the City, delivered 25 complete PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) kits to the hospital. Each kit contained a surgeon's uniform, gown, tyvak suit, N95 mask, glasses, gloves, boots and hat, according to Geovanny de la O Ávalos, president of the diabetic organization. He explained that with the health contingency, now more than ever, they are concerned about the association's patients, since diabetes is a risk factor for those who suffer from the illness, so we cannot take our eyes off the ball. He said, "We support diabetic patients by providing them with equipment and strips to measure their blood sugars, as well as making sure that the Community Hospital has the necessary supplies to check them." He said because diabetics are people at risk, they shouldn't leave their homes, which is why, on the Diabetic Pro-Patient Club's Facebook page (Isla Diabetes Clinic) they try to offer them the necessary instructions for self-care. "We are already preparing to schedule our next Diabetes Clinic, which could be at the end of this year or at the beginning of next year, depending on how the situation is, but we were not impassive in the face of this contingency," he said. He explained that together with Ms. Karen Rosenberg, one of the main promoters of the Club, they are doing what is necessary, as much as possible within the limitations of this situation, to try to reduce the risks that the diabetic patients experience. He recalled that in recent days, with coordination between the City of Isla Mujeres through the municipal liaison Dr. Xhanat Tse González Mora, the Pro-Patient Diabetic Club and a citizen initiative were able to provide a donation of three transport modules to the Community Hospital and one to the Naval Hospital. "This collaboration between private organizations and the municipal government is in response to the need to increase prevention measures and protocols during Phase 3, when a greater number of asymptomatic cases and cases with mild symptoms are expected, as well as severe cases," he concluded. LINK

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is out of the pic at left.

"Reverse Sunset" (looking east from MVC)

Free
amenities include hammocks,
portable beach
chairs, beach towels,
washer & dryer, loungers, shared bikes, BBQ grill, and safes. Panoramic
views from the
rooftop terrace. Large sliding doors open to a patio &
the white sand backyard-beach, overlooking the Caribbean sea. Downtown
is ~ a mile away; we're on
all four bus routes or flag a $3 taxi. Off street parking. You
can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then return to the quiet
neighborhood of Bachilleres and sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. We provide a list of
links & direction to over 20 eateries within ten minutes walk,
including Mango Cafe, Mike's Pizza,
Brisas, Rosa Sirena, Coco Jaguar, Manolitos, La Chatita, Green Verde, Kash Kechen
Chuc, and the
large department store-grocery Chedraui & the local craft brewery. Visit marinas, bars, &
beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Attend Yoga classes a
couple villas away at Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores.

Sunset 7:12-7:25pm (beginning vs end of month)Sunrise 6:16--6:05amPainting by Pamela Haase at MVC

Turtles begin mating and nesting
in May. They can be observed mating offshore from Punta Sur
during this
month, and they nest along the eastern beaches. Tortugranja staff and
volunteers gather the eggs and incubate them in the sand in a pen
outside the facility. The Protection season officially begins May 15,
but Tortugranja staff usually begin checking for nests at the beginning of the
month. Three species nest annually in Isla Mujeres, Greens, Loggerheads,
and Hawksbills, and very rarely, a Leatherback will attempt to nest,
but generally the sand isn't sufficiently deep.

The season for swimming with the whale sharks normally begins on May 15th,
which ends annually in mid-September. They congregate and feed on a
'buffet' of plankton and fish eggs from a type of tuna. Rays are also
attracted to the feeding areas. Photos by Tony Garcia

The
Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks before dawn on May 5th, but can be seen
during the early hours (starting ~3a nightly) from mid-April thru
mid-May. The longest "windows" to see them as they near peaking are
the wee hours Friday & Saturday nights, May 1st & 2nd (which are
the mornings of Sat & Sun). They
peak as the moon is approaching fullness. On May 5th it sets at 4:55a,
so will be low on the western horizon, while the radiant point is in the
east. You don't need to focus on the radiant, because you may miss the
meteors that create the longest bright streaks flying across the sky.
This shower is caused by debris from Halley's comet.

During May, the climate changes Although
May is the hottest month in the neighboring state of Yucatan, here on
the coast, the hottest months begin in June. In May the "Perceived
Temperature" (thin line above the others) begins to rise, as the
humidity increases and the rainy season begins as the month progresses.
We've been in dry season since November-December, and late April &
early May are when firefighters are busy across the Peninsula fighting
brush fires. There are ~13+ hours of daylight in May & humidity
increases from 92% to 99% as the month progresses. Water temperatures
are 81-82 degrees.

Source: Weather Spark

Source: Weather Spark

Source: Climates to Travel

A wet day is one with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. In Cancún, the chance of a wet day over the course of May is very rapidly increasing, starting the month at 14% and ending it at 36%.
For reference, the year's highest daily chance of a wet day is 52% on September 27, and its lowest chance is 12% on March 22. Source: Weather Spark

Source: Weather Spark

Source: Weather Spark

Friday, May 1 Labor Day Official Holiday with offices closed.

May 3 Dia de la Cruz, a holiday celebrated by construction workers
in Mexico, and is associated with St Helena (Elena in Spanish). Normally, crosses
are placed atop construction projects, and crews take a break to pray
and eat together, with food & drink supplied by the owner.

May 5 "Cinco de Mayo" Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla against the French in 1862.
. May 10 Mother's Day

Sources for Weather Information:LINK to Civil Protection Q Roo weather bulletin (Spanish)LINK to Mexico National Weather Service (Spanish) LINK to satellite images for the Mexico National Weather Service LINK to GOES East Band 16 GIF (animation) LINK to a private weather station on Isla Mujeres

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MVC Guests from Ontario wrote...

We have returned to Maravilla Caribe and we consider it to be a gem. Is it a luxurious resort? No. On the other hand, it's the kind of place where you feel comfortable sitting outside with a beer and watching the ocean, reading all afternoon in a hammock or going for a long walk along the shore. To sit on the patio with a plate of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee is my idea of the perfect morning. It's like having your own little private beach cottage - it's not fancy but that's not what we're looking for. A 15 minute walk takes you into the busy little town, full of great little restaurants and shops, and a $3 taxi ride will get you just about anywhere on the island. The landlord is friendly, accommodating and genuinely cares about and knows the local community. For anyone who wants a lavish package vacation, this obviously isn't the place for you - there are plenty of resorts that will fit your needs. Maravilla is a simple, lovely place to get away from it all.

Visits Since June 2011

Taunya from Washington wrote

Hi Ronda,

I want to say thank you again for a fabulous vacation! Your studio was perfect! Having the extra space, kitchenette and dinning table made the space perfect for a long stay. Your little details like coffee filters and ice cube trays made it feel like home. I also really appreciated that you were there if I needed anything, but that you also let me have my space.

Being out of downtown, yet close to everything made the location perfect. Add the beautiful beach and it couldn't have been any better!

Thank you so much! When I return to Isla I will be back on your doorstep. Happy Holidays!

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Guests Say..

Judy from Ohio wrote...I stayed at Maravilla and absolutely loved it. Beach and patio was kept very clean and since handicapped I would spend the days on patio with my laptop at table right outside my room. Each room had table/chairs in front of room. Not many places on isla you have the beach right outside your door-saves alot of money instead of renting beach chairs and buying drinks downtown. I also do not like crowded beaches and stacks of chairs next to each other as on the north beaches. You hear absolutely no street noise just the waves hitting the shore. There were bikes free to use, beachchairs free to take to downtown, and free washer/dryer to use. The price is excellent value and the owners live there so they do not need to list with an agency giving renters better $ value. Isla is not for everyone. But condo/luxury hotels now line the once beautiful North Beach for those wanting the Cancun version of places to stay, so sad, plus $$$$. I prefer peace,quiet, and great value. Not many places with sunrise/sunset views.

Renee from Toronto wrote...

For some of us, there comes a time when we prefer peace and quiet to hustle and bustle. For a few regrettable years, I got off buses and lined up with the rest of the schmucks to check in for the all inclusive 'experience'. I set the alarm daily to head down with everyone else to make dinner reservations for the pleasure of eating soggy Sushi served by brusque Bahamians. I wore the wristband of shame, identifying me as an easy mark on any excursion. I tipped and cajoled the bartender for extra shots of rum. I listened to the drunken monologues of people who get to cut loose just once a year. With the all inclusive experience, your fate is not entirely your own...

And then I tried something else, the self catering experience - more a case of here's your key, here's your apartment, have fun! Settle in, stock your fridge, stock your bar and you're off to the races. Happy hour is whenever you choose. No lining up at a buffet. Snorkel on your own time. Open a bottle of wine and cook a leisurely dinner - no one's rushing you out for the next seating. Sleep in and eat breakfast when you want, don't worry about the dining room being closed.

That's the experience I prefer these days. And Mara Villa doesn't disappoint. You get exactly what you pay for: a clean and comfortable room with everything you need. The experience is great for people who like to 'do their own thing.' In essence, staying at Mara Villa is like having your own private beachfront villa.

Amenities include good wifi, towels, sheets, dishes, pots and pans, a fridge and freezer, drinking water, hammock hooks, and a clothesline. Bonuses include a patio with tables and chairs, a charcoal BBQ, a beach for watching the sun rise over the water, and a rooftop for watching the sun set over Cancun (also good for star gazing and extreme suntanning).

The local bus passes by the front door and costs 4 pesos to head downtown. A taxi is about $2 into town. Chedraui, the big grocery store, is less than 10 minutes away by foot. Grab a cheap cab home if you've really stocked up.

Ronda is a great host - a storehouse of island information about where to eat and what to do. Bruce, her husband, is an avid snorkeler and can point you in the best direction off their private beach for underwater wildlife. I was lucky enough to see dolphins swimming offshore one day. Close to shore I also saw a barracuda, a sting ray and a pair of graceful Caribbean squid. The usual tropical fish abound as well.

It's worth noting that Mara Villa is located on the east side of the island, windward. The shore is more dramatic and rocky, but there are very few, if any, mosquitos. The west side of the island is calmer and more traditionally 'beachy', but mosquitoes abound at dawn and dusk. With the rocky shore, you need water shoes for entering the water and swimming, but you have the beach all to yourself at Mara Villa. Head to the sublimely Caribbean style North Beach if you miss the crowds.

I spent almost a month at Mara Villa and it was the calm, casual and relaxing experience I craved. I will be back to Mara Villa, but I won't ever go back to an all inclusive.

Call or WhatsApp (01) 998 937 8014

Click here for link to menus from most of your favorite restaurants & more information.

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Jane C from Penland wrote...

My friend and I just stayed at Maravilla Caribe, December 20-25, 2012 and we had an absolutely wonderful experience. The owner, Ronda made me feel comfortable before I arrived, providing helpful information about travel to the area. She made an extra effort to secure a larger room for us, which was perfect. Maravilla is quaint, charming, clean & comfortable. We loved the bright green color of the house! The kitchenette was simple, clean and well equipped with everything we needed to prepare meals. The beds are very comfortable and Ronda provides lots of clean towels. She even offered to let us use the washer/dryer and bicycles for free! The best part (other than the low cost) is you have your own private beach in the back! It is a beautiful place that I highly recommend.

Carol D from Peterborough wrote.....

Hello I stayed at MaraVilla, la Casa Verde :-), Dec 10 to 20 this 2012 for my first time and would not hesitate to return. This is my 11th year staying on the island and I have stayed at many places. The location is amazing, and the owners have modified the patio doors so that those of us who want to hear the waves all night can do so with security. They were super helpful at every turn and what meant the most to me is that they really care about their guests and are friendly. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch together. The room was spacious and clean. At MaraVilla there are only 3 rooms facing the water so it is peaceful, quiet and private. At MaraVilla, there were workers out painting the house in front and raking the beach and it was well maintained. There were no rocks on the clean tile patio. you do need water shoes to wade in to the water but it is worth it. And if you want to go to a more perfect beach i.e. no reef etc then one could go and pay 150-200+ per night at Playa Norte (but you won't hear the waves from your bed or have the privacy or owners that care about you!!). The bed was comfortable, mattress good, sheets in good shape and clean (more than i can say about the place i had the misfortune of staying in Progresso!!). Honestly you get what you pay for in this world and if you were to go to Tulum, or San Filipe or Progresso you are sure getting much more bang for your buck at MaraVilla in the 50-65 dollar range!!! If you are a 5 star resort person I would say stay at a 5 star resort, but if you enjoy the waves, quiet, privacy and caring owners then stay at this MaraVilla the Casa Verde :-)

Noska from Austin wrote....Maravilla is one of the coolest little spots on the isla.The hosts are awesome,location perfect,rooms are clean and affordable

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Music:

Fayne's has late night live music, starts ~10p

El Patio House of Music on Hidlago has live music evenings, usually HH show 5p, continues at 7p.